Daktronics announced the upcoming installation of a new LED video display system at Northern Illinois University’s (NIU) Convocation Center in Dekalb, Illinois. Installation is scheduled for this summer to have the system up and running for the fall sports seasons.

“I cannot wait to see the new videoboard hanging in the NIU Convocation Center,” said NIU Associate Vice-President and Director of Athletics Sean T. Frazier. “Thanks to our Board of Trustees, NIU Vice-President for Administration and Finance Sarah McGill and staff of both NIU Athletics and the NIU Procurement Office for navigating this process from start to finish. This scoreboard system, and especially the videoboard, is going to give the whole arena a new look and feel, bringing even more excitement to our basketball games and events in the Convo. I’m especially excited for our fans as this will significantly improve the in-game experience for people in the stands during our basketball games, and will also make the arena more marketable as we look at bringing in other events.”

The displays in the four-sided centerhung will each measure more than 8 feet high by 14.5 feet wide and will feature a tight 4-millimeter line spacing bringing greater resolution to crisp, clear images for fans throughout the venue. Upper and lower LED ring displays will provide space for game information, fan engagement elements and sponsorships.

“The new LED display system at NIU Convocation Center will surround Huskies fans with video and animations creating a fully immersive atmosphere,” said Joey Hulsebus, Daktronics sales representative. “The new center hung system will bring a new level of resolution to the venue that will have a significant impact on fans. Pairing those displays with the end wall video displays ensures that nobody will miss a moment of the action. I can’t wait to see the completed system in action this fall.”

In addition to the centerhung configuration, two new end wall video displays will be installed on the east and west ends of the Convocation Center. These displays will measure more than 9 feet high by 15.5 feet wide and will feature 10-millimeter line spacing to bring additional views to Huskies fans.

The main centerhung and end wall video displays are capable of variable content zoning allowing each to show one large image or to be divided into multiple different zones. The displays can show any combination of live video, instant replays, game statistics and information, graphics and animations, and sponsorship messages.

In addition to the LED displays, the Convocation Center will also receive new shot clocks and upgraded display panels on the Lincoln Highway marquee. Digital content provided by Daktronics Creative Services is also included with the installation to bring the displays to life.

About the Author

R.V. Baugus is senior editor of IAVM's magazine, Facility Manager. Baugus is an 11-time Quill Award winner from the Dallas chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. He is devoted in his community by serving as a board member of the Irving Schools Foundation and as a deacon at his church.